Brazilian Lantern Tree Plant Care

Brazilian Lantern Tree (Crinodendron brasiliense) belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family within the Crinodendron genus. Brazilian Lantern Tree is native to Brazil, growing only in the Serra Geral mountain range, specifically within Santa Catarina.

Brazilian Lantern Tree displays an upright, compact shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Brazilian Lantern Tree produces bell-shaped red or pink flowers with prominent stamens.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Brazilian Lantern Tree every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Brazilian Lantern Tree thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Crinodendron brasiliense tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Brazilian Lantern Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Brazilian Lantern Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Brazilian Lantern Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Brazilian Lantern Tree is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Brazilian Lantern Tree can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Brazilian Lantern Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Brazilian Lantern Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Brazilian Lantern Tree can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chilean lantern tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Brazilian Lantern Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Brazilian Lantern Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Brazilian Lantern Tree is native to Brazil, growing only in the Serra Geral mountain range, specifically within Santa Catarina. In cooler regions, grow Brazilian Lantern Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.